London architects Panter Hudspith have transformed the Trocadero centre in Piccadilly into the flagship venue of the Picturehouse Cinemas chain.
The late 19th-century Grade II listed building had a glorious past as Scott's restaurant and the Lyons Corner House, but had been much abused in recent times. In the 1980s it became home to a rather tired entertainments complex.
This is not the first such conversion that the London-based firm, Panter Hudspith, have tackled. The architects have turned a string of difficult or neglected buildings into Picturehouses across greater London and the UK. They have worked the same magic at this latest site, collaborating this time with famed restaurant designer Martin Brudnizki, who coincidentally designed the current Scott's.
Architecturally, the real crowd-pleaser at Picturehouse Central is the vast oak-clad, red-tiled staircase leading from the double-height foyer on the ground to the first floor. The Cineworld chain operated from the Trocadero until last year, so Panter Hudspith has upgraded the existing auditoria with larger screens, better sound systems and steeper tiering for the new reclining seats. Brudnizki has decked out the café and restaurant areas with mid-century modern style tables, chairs, sofas and banquettes, some of which was designed by his studio.
Picturehouse Cinemas, whose programme includes foreign language and independent films and documentaries, prides itself on its art house status. It appeals to the tertiary-educated middle classes, and its sophisticated muted colour palette reflects that.
Meanwhile original friezes by Arts and Crafts artist Gerald Moira have been relit and are on view as visitors ascend the escalator up to the members' bar on the top three floors, which opens later this summer
Designed by architects Panter Hudspith, with interiors by Martin Brudnizki, the Trocadero Picturehouse opens today
The new complex's ground floor cafe features mural depicting the history of cinema by artists Patrick Vale and Paul Davis
A vast oak-clad, red-tiled staircase leads from the double-height foyer on the ground level, up to the first floor
-
Zaha Hadid Architects’ new project will be Miami’s priciest condoConstruction has commenced at The Delmore, an oceanfront condominium from the design firm founded by the late Zaha Hadid, ZHA
-
This Beirut design collective threads untold stories into upholstered antique furnitureBeirut-based Bokja opens a Notting Hill pop-up that's a temple to textiles, from upholstered furniture to embroidered cushions crafted by artisans (until 25 March 2025)
-
The Peninsula Hotels broadens its artistic horizons with Victoria and Albert Museum partnershipThe Peninsula Hotels and Victoria and Albert Museum announce a multi-year collaboration set to produce world-class art experiences around the world
-
2025 Serpentine Pavilion: this year's architect, Marina Tabassum, explains her designThe 2025 Serpentine Pavilion design by Marina Tabassum is unveiled; the Bangladeshi architect talks to us about the commission, vision, and the notion of time
-
We celebrate the emerging London architects to be excited aboutThese emerging London architects are some of the capital's finest ground-breakers, movers and shakers; heralding a new generation of architecture
-
From a mobile pub to a thatched canopy: Japanese architecture and craft explored at AA show in London'Distillation of Architecture', a new AA show in London, pairs architects with materials and makers in an exploration of craft through the Japanese lens
-
A library in a London telephone box? This is a charming reading nook full of surprisesSet in a restored London telephone box, Upper Street Little Library is a cosy beacon to encourage reading to the wider community
-
This revamped east London terraced house is a music lover’s dreamAn east London terraced house gets a boost of personality and sustainability thanks to Archmongers, whose transformation makes room for the owners’ creativity and extensive record collection
-
This elegant infill project slots beautifully into the London streetscapeIn this infill project, a row of garages in Blackheath, south-east London, has been replaced by a contemporary family home by local practice Mailen Design
-
Don’t Move, Improve 2025: the 14 London homes adding design oomph to the everydayThe shortlist for Don’t Move, Improve 2025 has been announced, revealing 14 residential projects across London that add value and pizazz to their inhabitants’ daily lives
-
Space House: explore the brutalist London landmark’s new chapterSpace House, a landmark of brutalist architecture by Richard Seifert & Partners in London’s Covent Garden, is back following a 21st-century redesign by Squire & Partners and developer Seaforth Land
